Success is a concept that has intrigued humanity for centuries. Yet, defining success can be elusive and highly personal. Marge Piercy’s poem “To Be of Use” offers a refreshing perspective on success, one that transcends traditional notions of wealth, power, and prestige.
Success, as portrayed in the poem, is about finding purpose, embracing diligence, and creating a meaningful impact through our work. It’s a reminder that true success is not measured by what we have but by who we are and the positive contributions we make to the world.
In the poem, Piercy expresses her admiration for people who are hardworking, persistent, and dedicated to meaningful work. She suggests that true success lies in finding work that is both useful and fulfilling.
Piercy begins the poem by describing her love for people who are “of use.” She compares them to oxen, water buffalo, and seals, all of which are creatures that are known for their strength, endurance, and ability to accomplish important tasks. Piercy writes:
I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart,
who pull like water buffalo, with massive patience,
who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward,
who do what has to be done, again and again.
Piercy then goes on to describe the rewards of meaningful work. She writes that work that is “of use” can be both difficult and demanding, but it is also deeply satisfying. Piercy compares the work of the world to “common as mud,” but she also suggests that it has a “shape that satisfies.” She writes:
The work of the world is common as mud.
Botched, it smears the hands, crumbles to dust.
But the thing that doesn’t get used
rusts unnoticed. The real work of the world
is done by people who may be nameless.
They pick up the pieces we throw away
and make them into something that somebody needs.
Here are reflections from LéO Africa Institute Founder Awel Uwihanganye’s seminar with the YELP Class of 2023 on Defining and Achieving Success Based on Marge Piercy’s “To Be of Use”
Finding Purpose
One of the central themes of the poem is the importance of finding one’s purpose in life. Piercy suggests that success begins with a deep understanding of what truly matters to us.
To achieve success, we must identify our passions, interests, and talents and then channel them into our work. It’s not about doing what others expect of us but about pursuing our own unique path.
The poem emphasizes the satisfaction that comes from work that is aligned with one’s values and passions: “The work of the world is common as mud. / Botched, it smears the hands, crumbles to dust.”
Here, Piercy acknowledges that the work may be messy and challenging, but it is precisely this work that brings true fulfillment.
Embracing Diligence
Success, according to the poem, is not handed to us on a silver platter; it requires hard work and dedication. Piercy’s words highlight the importance of diligence: “The pitcher cries for water to carry / and a person for work that is real.”
This analogy underscores the idea that just as a pitcher is designed to hold water, we are designed to engage in meaningful, purposeful work.
Success is not about avoiding hard work but about embracing it with enthusiasm. When we fully immerse ourselves in our tasks and put in the effort required, we derive a profound sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
Creating Meaningful Impact
Piercy’s poem also conveys the notion that success is intertwined with making a meaningful impact on the world and the lives of others.
It’s not enough to toil away in isolation; our work should have a positive influence on the community and society at large.
The lines, “The thing worth doing well done / has a shape that satisfies, clean and evident,” remind us that our work should leave a mark that is not only evident to us but to others as well.
Defining and Achieving Success
Think about what is important to you. What are your values? What kinds of work are you passionate about? What do you want to contribute to the world?
Once you have a good understanding of what is important to you, you can start to look for work that aligns with your values and goals.
Be willing to work hard. Success doesn’t come easy. It takes hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Be prepared to put in the time and effort necessary to achieve your goals.
Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is a natural part of the learning process. Everyone fails at some point in their lives. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward.
Celebrate your successes. It’s important to acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. Taking the time to appreciate your successes will help you stay motivated and keep moving forward.
Piercy’s words invite us to reconsider our own definitions of success and encourage us to strive for a life enriched by meaningful labor and genuine fulfillment.
Ultimately, success is not an end destination but an ongoing journey—an exploration of self-discovery, hard work, and the positive influence we can exert on the lives of others.
As we reflect on Piercy’s timeless wisdom, we can find inspiration to redefine our path toward success and embrace a life filled with purpose.
Awel Uwihanganye is a Founder and Senior Director at the LéO Africa Institute.
